Thabo Bester, the notorious convicted murderer and rapist, got into a heated argument with the presiding magistrate during his latest court appearance, where he is seeking urgent access to a laptop.
Story Summary:
- Thabo Bester applied for urgent access to a laptop during his prison stay to prepare for his deportation case.
- Bester clashed with the magistrate, accusing her of denying his constitutional rights by interrupting his application.
- The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) cited major security concerns due to Bester’s past escape from Mangaung Prison, opposing his request for a laptop.
Thabo Bester blasts magistrate for interrupting his application
The exchange escalated when Bester accused the magistrate of interrupting him and denying his constitutional rights before hearing his full application.
Bester expressed frustration when the magistrate indicated that she would not grant his request for a laptop.
In his impassioned plea, Bester asserted that he was being deprived of the tools needed to defend himself in his upcoming legal battle, stating:
“Which constitutional reason do you give to deny me access without hearing my application, your honour?”
The magistrate responded by emphasising that law books would be provided to Bester, noting that they were used effectively by jurists before the advent of technology.
The tension in the courtroom increased as Bester continued to push for a laptop, referencing programs in Denmark and Germany that provide inmates with heavily monitored access to computers.
The DCS remained silent throughout Bester’s heated exchange with the magistrate, but its stance on the matter was clear.
The department has opposed Bester’s request, citing security risks due to his previous manipulation of technology to orchestrate his infamous escape from Mangaung Prison in 2022.
The basis of Bester’s need for a laptop
Thabo Bester’s demand for a laptop is tied to his complex legal proceedings, particularly his deportation case.
He argues that without access to legal resources, his right to a fair trial is jeopardised.
Representing himself in several legal matters, Bester claims that he cannot meet the minimum court rules for legal preparations without access to a laptop.
He invoked Rule 6.12 of the court’s uniform rules, which outlines the urgency required to bypass certain legal procedures in exceptional circumstances.
Bester also mentioned his alleged involvement with state intelligence, suggesting that his case involves classified information, which complicates his defence.
He said:
“I am not only fighting for my right to a fair trial but the basic human dignity that every detainee is entitled to.”
Bester’s argument was rooted in his claim that his deportation from Tanzania was illegal and that the use of a laptop would allow him to adequately prepare for his upcoming trial set for February 2025.
Following an awkward exchange, where the magistrate offered Bester an opportunity to postpone proceedings to supplement his application with a formal response to the respondent and furnish a written affidavit to strengthen his case, the convicted killer opted for a brief adjournment.
The matter is expected to resume this afternoon, where the magistrate will consider the matter and rule on Bester’s access to a laptop.
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